"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit." - Holy Bible, Ephesians 2:19 - 22, NIV
Abide (verb) - to continue without fading or being lost.
Last week, I found myself admitted into the hospital, again. It was not an anticipated situation, but not completely a surprise. While I was in emergency surgery, it happens that a pipe burst in my closet. It could have been an overwhelming circumstance, if I had been overcome with worry about all that needed taken care of, yet to do, children needing their parent, etc. However, I noticed there was more of a sense of peace and submission. Shouting "BUT NO!" or rather "NO!! BUT..." in the face of questions, disorder, and uncertainty would be a "normal" response, right?
How did I get to a different state of mind? Those who know me, know I am rather naturally level-headed and thoughtful (a very active thinker). There is more to it, though.
Experience has shown me how faithful God truly is. I have been living in His goodness and faithfulness for a few years now. Recognizing that the battle exists in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12), and I have access and need to stay dressed in some beautiful armor, including prayer (Ephesians 6:13 - 20), has helped me to walk around through everything that comes my way, confident in who I am in Christ (Ephesians 1 - 2:10), and who the Trinity is, and who I live with on this planet - people deeply loved by God the Father.
In all my trials, He proves how strong I am because of His strength. He demonstrates grace each and every day of my flawed life. I crawl to the Lord Jesus Christ as he intercedes on my behalf to our Father, who forgives completely (Hebrews 7:24 & 25). Knowing that He abides with me, and those who trust Him, has been a source of peace and comfort for me, both in good and bad times. With that knowledge, it is rather a natural response, to abide in Him. And living in this spiritual reality made it possible for me to get through some pretty rough stuff last week, with a thankful and joyous heart.
I have a future hope, and that is where I reside.
Abide (verb) - to continue without fading or being lost.
Last week, I found myself admitted into the hospital, again. It was not an anticipated situation, but not completely a surprise. While I was in emergency surgery, it happens that a pipe burst in my closet. It could have been an overwhelming circumstance, if I had been overcome with worry about all that needed taken care of, yet to do, children needing their parent, etc. However, I noticed there was more of a sense of peace and submission. Shouting "BUT NO!" or rather "NO!! BUT..." in the face of questions, disorder, and uncertainty would be a "normal" response, right?
How did I get to a different state of mind? Those who know me, know I am rather naturally level-headed and thoughtful (a very active thinker). There is more to it, though.
Experience has shown me how faithful God truly is. I have been living in His goodness and faithfulness for a few years now. Recognizing that the battle exists in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12), and I have access and need to stay dressed in some beautiful armor, including prayer (Ephesians 6:13 - 20), has helped me to walk around through everything that comes my way, confident in who I am in Christ (Ephesians 1 - 2:10), and who the Trinity is, and who I live with on this planet - people deeply loved by God the Father.
In all my trials, He proves how strong I am because of His strength. He demonstrates grace each and every day of my flawed life. I crawl to the Lord Jesus Christ as he intercedes on my behalf to our Father, who forgives completely (Hebrews 7:24 & 25). Knowing that He abides with me, and those who trust Him, has been a source of peace and comfort for me, both in good and bad times. With that knowledge, it is rather a natural response, to abide in Him. And living in this spiritual reality made it possible for me to get through some pretty rough stuff last week, with a thankful and joyous heart.
I have a future hope, and that is where I reside.
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